Promoting Organ Donation in Hong Kong

The Youth I.D.E.A.S. announced its latest report on
Promoting Organ Donation in Hong Kong

An onsite survey on 527 young people aged 18 – 34 noted that up to half (48.8%) of respondents said they had not signed or registered as an organ donor even they were willing to donate their organs, “Not clear about the registration procedures” (26.5%) and “without time” (21.0%) were the main barriers for that. While only 6.6% had signed or registered as an organ donor.

85.8% agreed “organ donation is meaningful as which could extend patients’ life”. However, they think that “I am still too young to think about it” (26.6%), “opposition by family members” (22.4%), and “mistrust to healthcare system” are three main obstacles for young people to take part in organ donation.

The study recommended the government promoting organ donation registration through Territory-wide identity card replacement exercise and allocating more resources on healthcare system for increasing possible organ donors. It also recommended reinforcing the prevention education and importance of healthy lifestyle, as well as providing subsidies to living donors.